welcome aboard.
obligatory steemit is still in beta statement.
Many of the DEV(elopers), investors, and others are at SteemFest in Amsterdam...when they get back there will be changes.
If you see something...say something...perhaps it will be changed. Unlike facebook Steemit is user drivern.
I happen to agree with you about 'hot', 'trending' , and 'active'...they're all the same aren't they?
Exactly what i noticed, i would like to see also a "sort by time" option, or more sorting functions, more tools ...
I hope there will be exciting new stuff :D